It was the kind of gray, cold, damp Sunday that prompted those venturing outside to run from house to car to avoid the dreary mist of rain that melted the patches of dirty snow near curbs — and had the ability to drag down the most robust spirit.
On this one particular afternoon, which had no redeeming qualities and was the worse that early winter can offer, I found a glow of life and real Christmas spirit at a rehearsal for the upcoming “Christmas … From the Heart” production. The 75-minute show, which will be staged at 3 p.m. Sunday, will be performed at the Bradford Area High School auditorium.
I had stopped in at the rehearsal at First Presbyterian Church in Bradford as my brother and a number of his friends from Evergreen Elm residential services and Futures Rehabilitation Center are in the production.
Plunking down in a pew in my damp jacket, the plan was to watch for a few minutes, say hello to my brother, Tommy Day, and find out from directors John and Heather Kearns when they wanted an advance story to be published in The Era for the show.
In just a few minutes, however, I forgot the yucky day outside as the participants sang and performed holiday acts and numbers that brought infectious laughter from everyone involved.
During this particular rehearsal, Heather Kearns directed from a pew as she prepared reindeer antlers for several performers, who immediately put them on their heads after they were finished. Other costumes and props were donated by the community for the low-budget production. In addition, Sunday’s venue for the show was graciously provided by the Bradford Area School District.
As rehearsal progressed, laughter continued to echo through the sanctuary when one of the performers danced around them as a reindeer for the “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer” number and a hairy Mrs. Claus, a.k.a Gary Stewart, served cookies to an elf. In stark contrast were the words of encouragement heard from actors and directors when a performer flubbed his or her lines.
“They all lift each other up, nobody is catty or nasty in this,” Kearns said in explaining the compassion of her cast. The group also fell silent and were reverent for spiritual numbers, such as the beautiful rendition of the song, “Breath of Heaven” by Casey Langianese.
The Kearns had helped with the first “From the Heart” production through Bradford Little Theatre last spring and the show turned out to be a big hit in the community. Proceeds from that performance were donated to local charities.
While the “From the Heart” productions are for people of all abilities, there are a number of performers with disabilities who haven’t had as many opportunities to showcase their skills at singing, acting and dancing before this ensemble was organized. The adults and children who round out the productions with their talents with musical and dance numbers are typically good-natured with tons of patience. And what good fortune it is for the children in these productions to not only learn compassion, but also humor from their fellow performers with special needs.
After listening to angelic songs, watching tender manger scenes, seeing Santa in all his glory and best of all, feeling the glow from individuals as they sang holiday favorites that ranged from “Jingle Bells” to “The First Noel,” I realized the afternoon wasn’t crummy anymore.
Hopefully, the weather for this Sunday’s performance at the high school auditorium won’t be dreary and cold, as has been the case the past several weeks.
If it is, you can leave it behind for an hour or so as you sit back and feel the warmth of the holidays from people who really enjoy entertaining.
The added plus is that the $5 donation for admission will benefit the Era’s Less Fortunate (ELF) fund, which in turn will help the needy in the area during the holidays. Definitely a win-win situation for all involved.
Happy holidays!
